RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WEEK BEGINS TODAY

Be kind this week, dear readers. Today begins the second annual Random Acts of Kindness Week sponsored by the Southeast Missourian.

Appropriately, the observance kicks off on Mother's Day, a day that brims with kindness for our dear mothers. The week encourages people to extend that kindness to others -- both friend and stranger.

Kindness often gets lost in the shuffle of today's rat race. This week provides an excellent opportunity to get back to such basics as the Golden Rule: Do onto others as you would have them do onto you. What a different place this world would be if everyone practiced such consideration.

That isn't to say a lot of kind acts don't go on each and every day. But many people need a gentle reminder to practice daily acts of kindness.

There is no need to plan elaborate events. Kindness can be as easy as letting someone go ahead of you in the grocery store line or giving someone your parking space. It can be as simple as a wave or a smile. It could be a word of praise to a waitress or bus driver, or a pat on the back for a co-worker, or a home-cooked meal for an acquaintance who lives alone, or a thank-you note to a person who has made a difference in your life.

That is the funny thing about kindness: A small gesture often leaves a big impression with those who receive it.

Kindness isn't limited to Cape Girardeau. Participation in this special week stretches to Charleston, Perryville, Scott City, Oran, Oak Ridge, Frohna, Marble Hill, Benton and Jackson. In Illinois, participants are in McClure, Tamms and Cairo.

More than 20,000 brightly colored kindness stickers have been distributed, along with 13,000 bookmarks and thousands of other promotional supplies. Free stickers are still available at the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway. They proclaim to all: Warning, I practice random acts of kindness.

One of the most encouraging aspects of the week is the participation of children. Dozens upon dozens of schools, both parochial and public, have signed up. Acts of kindness can provide lifelong lessons for these youngsters.

Kindness is like a Christmas package all wrapped up in brightly colored bows and paper. The anticipation can be delightful. The exchange of kindness nurtures both giver and receiver. Both typically leave the experience with a broad smile.

But best of all, kindness is contagious. When you extend a kindness, the recipient is more likely to extend good will to someone else.

Practice random acts of kindness today and every day. You will be changed by the practice, and so will every one around you.